Take This Simple Hearing Test


Hearing loss differs from most other afflictions in at least one important way. It is not usually characterized by pain or physical discomfort. If it were, hearing loss would be obvious. But because it is usually a gradual process, it can easily develop into a significant handicap before it commands attention. Unless, that is, one is aware of its other warning signs.

1.You can hear, but you can’t understand.
Among the first sounds which “disappear” are those which are most high pitched. These include:

  • Womens and childrens voices
  • Bird songs
  • Confusion among sounds of words such as: “dime”, "time”, “bake”, “take”.
  

yes
no

 

2. Have difficulty in understanding what is being said, unless you are directly facing the speaker.

  

yes
no

3. Find yourself complaining that people are mumbling or slurring their words.

  

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no

4. Are continually asking people to repeat words or phrases, though they feel they’re speaking loudly enough.

  

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no

5. Prefer the TV or radio louder than others do.

 

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no

6. Have difficulty understanding conversation within a group.

  

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no

7. Avoid group meetings, social occasions, public facilities, or family gatherings where listening may be difficult.

 

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no

8. Have trouble hearing at the movies, houses of worship, concert halls, or at other public gatherings – especially where sound sources are at a distance.

 

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no

9. Have ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or other head noises (hissing, buzzing, crickets, etc). Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, but not always, and as such, may be the ear’s way of saying “ouch”.

  

yes
no



If you have answered "yes" to at least two of these questions you may have a hearing loss and may need to consider amplification.